Hüseyin Çağlayan Özcan

Summary of 2185 prenatal invasive procedures in a single center: A retrospective analysis

Objective: To determine the frequency, indications, and outcomes of diagnostic invasive prenatal procedures (DIPP) performed in a university hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 2185 cases of DIPP (chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and cordocentesis) performed at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of a university hospital between 2010 and 2016. We included all DIPP cases performed between 11 and 24 weeks of gestation. We compared the different types of DIPP performed in our hospital. Results: Two thousand one hundred eighty-five procedures were performed (1853 amniocenteses, 326 chorionic villus sampling, and 6 cordocenteses). The main indication for performing invasive procedures was abnormal results of aneuploidy screening for trisomy 21, followed by maternal age, and fetal structural abnormality. The fetal karyotype was altered in 154 (26.1%) cases. Trisomy 21 was the most common aneuploidy followed by trisomy 18, monosomy X, and trisomy 13. Fetal karyotype could not be revealed in 42 (2%) cases due to maternal contamination in 18 cases, inadequate sampling in 4 cases, and failure of cell culture in 27 cases. There were 2 pregnancy losses due to the invasive procedure (only in amniocentesis). Conclusion: The ideal approach to pregnancies with a detected chromosomal abnormality should be tailored according to the individual choice of the couples regarding whether they decide for or against a child with a known chromosomal abnormality.

Use of Bladder Filling to Prevent Urinary System Complications in the Management of Placenta Percreta: a Randomized Prospective Study

Introduction The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of filling the bladder on peripartum genitourinary injuries (especially bladder complications) in women with placenta percreta and to compare patient characteristics. Material and Methods Our prospective cohort study consisted of pregnant women with placenta percreta who underwent planned cesarean hysterectomy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Gaziantep University Hospital between January 2015 and July 2016. Bladders were filled with 300 ml saline solution to determine surgical borders better and enable dissection of the lower uterine segment without excessive bleeding or unintended injury. Results A total of 66 women were included in the study: 32 women whose bladders were filled during surgery (filled-bladder group) and 34 women whose bladders were not filled (not filled-bladder group). Comparisons of demographic and obstetrical data, surgical parameters, the need for transfusion, and bladder injury rates revealed no significant differences between the two groups. We did not observe any beneficial effect of filling the bladder on preventing urinary complications compared with the women whose bladders were not filled (p = 0.339). Conclusions Filling the bladder with saline solution and mobilization of the bladder from the lower uterine segment did not have a statistically significant beneficial effect on preventing complications of the genitourinary system. But although the beneficial effects were not significant, shorter operation times, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and fewer bladder injuries were noted in patients whose bladders were filled.

Conjoined twins in a triplet pregnancy. A rare obstetrical dilemma

Conjoined twins are derived from division of a single fertilized ovum after the twelfth day of fertilization. Triplet conjoined twin is considered as a unique phenomenon that is accompanied with a wide variety of congenital abnormalities and also hazardous consequences for both fetuses and parents. We present an extremely rare case of conjoined twins in a triplet pregnancy with symmetric thoracoomphalopagus that was diagnosed in prenatal period by using ultrasound scanning and MRI. In triplet pregnancies, we should be aware about the possibility of conjoined twins. If there are severe congenital malformations, termination of pregnancy should be recommended immediately after the diagnosis regardless of gestational age, particularly in early gestational age.

Chondrosarcoma mimicking an adnexal mass: A very rare case report

Chondrosarcoma is considered as a common primary bone sarcoma. These sarcomas can form large masses without any specific symptoms because there are no barriers in pelvic anatomy to prevent the enlargement of tumors, and can mimic ovarian masses. We present a pelvic chondrosarcoma in a woman aged 37 years who was misdiagnosed as having an ovarian mass due to the limited information obtained from imaging studies. Pelvic chondrosarcoma should be considered in patients who have pelvic masses with solid components. It should be kept in mind that interventions should be performed at centers where there are orthopedic surgeons with experience of this subject.

The re-awakening of hCG expression. Its role in the diagnosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: To compare immunohistochemical detection of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) expression in paraffin embedded tissue of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Methods: The samples in this retrospective study were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department at Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, over the period from January 2012 to September 2016. The study group consisted of 55 cases of SCC and 45 cases of HSIL. Tissue expression of hCG was detected by specific binding of anti-hCG antibody using an automated immunohistochemistry staining device. The categorical variables of intensity and coverage were analyzed statistically using Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: High grade squamous cell lesions cases showed weak (84.4%, n=38/45) to no (15.6%, n=7/45) staining for hCG. None of the HSIL cases showed strong positivity. Strong positivity for hCG was detected in 90.9% (n=50/55) of SCC cases. Conclusion: Our study supports the association of ectopic hCG expression in cancer pathogenesis by demonstrating strong hCG immunoreactivity only in SCC cases. This finding can be helpful in supporting the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma in small or fragmented biopsies, which can on their own be confusing for the pathologists.

Assessment of total sialic acid levels in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum: a preliminary study

Abstract To determine the levels of serum total sialic acid (TSA) in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and their gestational age-matched controls. Thirty pregnant women with HG, and 30 healthy pregnant women at up to 14 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this preliminary study. Total sialic acid levels in maternal serum were measured using the quantitative sandwich ELISA method. We observed statistically significant difference in TSA levels between HG and the control groups (p = .003). The identification of the role of SA in the prediction, diagnosis and follow-up of HG warrants more comprehensive studies in the future. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? The derivatives of neuraminic acid are collectively referred to as sialic acid (SA). Changes in SA levels are known to trigger various conditions and disorders, including inflammatory, cardiovascular, neurological and endocrine diseases. Although a sensitive test capable of identifying hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) would be useful for diagnosis purposes, such a test is currently not available. Studies focussing on identifying new potential indicators and biomarkers for HG – as well as identifying their relevance in establishing diagnosis and assessing disease severity – would not only assist in elucidating the underlying causes of this condition but would also contribute to the development of new diagnostic tests for HG. What the results of this study add? Total sialic acid levels are significantly higher in sera of the patients with HG. The present study is the first in the literature to assess total sialic acid levels in patients with HG and healthy pregnant women before 14 weeks of gestation. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Total sialic acid levels could give an idea to clinicians in the etiopathogenesis of HG. The identification of the role of sialic acid in the prediction, diagnosis and follow-up of HG warrants more comprehensive studies in the future.

Is ultrasound-guided suction curettage a reliable option for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy? A cross-sectional retrospective study

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of our study is to present clinical courses and outcomes of 50 first-trimester cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) cases, which are managed either with transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)-guided suction curettage alone or abdominal hysterotomy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our records from 2011 to 2016 at a single-center. TAUS-guided suction curettage alone was preferred in hemodynamically stable patients when the myometrial thickness was ≥3 mm and there was no vascular invasion. If the myometrial thickness was <3 mm and/or vascular invasion was present, then hysterotomy was preferred. Results: Statistical analysis of age, gravidity, parity, history of previous CS (≥3 or <3), presence of embryonic cardiac activity, complaints (vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or both), preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels (g/dl), blood transfusion, initial serum β-hCG levels, and duration to resolution of β-hCG demonstrated no significant difference between TAUS-guided suction curettage and abdominal hysterotomy groups. There was a significant difference between two groups in terms of postoperative length of stay in the hospital and gestational age. Conclusion: TAUS-guided suction curettage in selected cases may be considered as a reliable first-line treatment option due to its low cost, ease of application, lower side-effect profile, and potentially minimal influence on future fertility in CSP patients that are hemodynamically stable.

Oxidative Stress Markers in Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy

uterine cavity is known as ectopic pregnancy. It is a complication observed in 1%-2% of all pregnancies.1 Despite the progress in diagnostic techniques, ectopic pregnancy remains a crucial cause of maternal morbidity and mortality throughout the world, especially in the countries where prenatal care is poor.2 More than 95% of the ectopic pregnancies are located in the tuba.3 The etiopathogenesis of tubal ectopic pregnancy has not been clarified yet, though this condition is usually associated with tubal abnormalities and dysfunction, such as abnormal tubal-cilia activity or contractility.4 Reactive oxygen species produced during metabolic and physiological processes occurring in the body are known as oxidants. Antioxidants play a role in reducing the harmful effects that the oxidants cause in the body. There is a delicate balance between oxidants and antioxidants inside the cells, and if this balance tips in favor of oxidants, a condition of oxidative stress occurs, which may cause cellular damage.5 Any damage that occurs in the tubas at a cellular level may predispose women to a defective tubal transport of the embryo, which is a central process in ectopic pregJCOG 2018;28(1):9-13

Gastrointestinal system-derived secondary gynecologic tumors: 10 years experience at a single center

Aim: To perform a retrospective review of gynecologic malignancies originating from gastrointestinal system. Material and Methods: The study included 35 patients who underwent surgery at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics from January 2007 to December 2017 and they were diagnosed with secondary gynecological malignancies originating from the gastrointestinal system (GIS) in their pathological examination. The patientsÂ’ age, primary tumor, and metastatic tumor localization and size were recorded. The malignancies were classified based on origin, as those arising from the colon, appendix, pancreas, stomach, peritoneum, and those of an unknown origin. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.8 years (min: 24, max: 98) and the mean tumor diameter was 9.8 cm (min: 2 cm, max: 23 cm). Malignancies originating from the colon were most common secondary gynecologic malignancies. The primary tumor was localized at the colon in 21 patients (60%), stomach in eight (22.8%), and in the pancreas in one patient, appendix in one patient and peritoneum in one patient (2.8%). The origin of the primary tumor could not be determined in three patients (8.5%) as follow-up was not performed in our hospital for these patients. Of the malignancies originating from the colon (n=21), 16 (76.1%) metastasized to the ovaries, four (19%) to the vagina, and one (4.7%) to the cervix, while all tumors originating from the stomach, peritoneum, pancreas, appendix and those derived from the GIS without specific origin metastasized to the ovaries. Of the ovarian metastases, 26 (86.6%) were bilateral while four (13.3%) were unilateral. In metastatic tumors, pathological diagnoses included adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma. Conclusion: Female genital system is among the substantial targets of metastasis of GIS-derived tumors. Metastatic tumors have a more aggressive behavior. Metastatic tumors must be distinguished from primary tumors as treatment modalities differ in these tumors. For these reasons, a multidisciplinary approach should be employed in the diagnosis, management and follow-up of cases, and the genital system should be screened carefully during both preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up in patients with primary GIS malignancies.

Early vulvar and umbilical incisional scar recurrence of cervical squamous cell carcinoma: Earlier than usually expected

Cutaneous metastasis is considered as a hazardous condition depending on the mean survival around 9 months, which usually originates from cancers of the breast, lung, ovary, colon, and rarely from the cervix. The crucial prognostic factor of cutaneous metastasis depends on the period between the primary malignancy and cutaneous metastasis. We report two cases of the unusual presentation of squamous cell cancer of the cervix that developed vulvar and umbilical metastasis in the 5th month of primary treatment. Both of our patients survived for 11 months following the primary treatment. In addition, our first case is the earliest vulvar recurrence of cervical carcinoma in the English literature following appropriate medical and surgical management.